Is war ever justified, or should diplomacy always be the solution?

The question of whether war is ever justified or if diplomacy should always prevail is one of the oldest and most debated topics in ethics, international relations, and history. War refers to organized, often prolonged conflict between states or groups, typically involving armed force. Throughout history, wars have shaped borders, political systems, and societies, but they have also resulted in immense human suffering and destruction. The concept of "just war" dates back to ancient philosophy and was formalized by thinkers like Cicero, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas, who proposed conditions under which war could be morally acceptable—such as self-defense or protecting innocent lives. In contrast, diplomacy involves negotiation, dialogue, and peaceful means of resolving disputes, with institutions like the United Nations created to encourage international cooperation and prevent conflict.